How you can help

Fostering

Our need for fosterers is always high as there are always cats who urgently our help. There are many common misconceptions associated with fostering cats, and we are often asked the same questions and have the same discussions with many different people. Read on to see if fostering could be for you, and to find the real information behind many common fostering myths.

Why foster?

For any cat that you foster, you will have made an enormous difference to that cat, which will often have come from desperate circumstances. Undoubtedly, the biggest benefit to fostering for animal lovers is the knowledge that you’re actively helping an animal progress towards a better future. Sometimes this can be the first time in its life that the cat you are fostering has felt safe, cared for and loved.

Types of Fostering

Our fostering team accommodates cats/kittens in a variety of ways such as: in a spare room, in part of the house, with free run of the house, or in purpose-built garden pens as the cats cannot go outside or mix with your own pets. All the cats ready for homing on our website are being fostered now in one of those ways. Most fostering cases fall into the following scenarios, and you can choose which type you would prefer to foster from this list:

one cat

a pair of cats

a pregnant female

a mother and litter

weaned kittens

a senior kittizen

an emergency case

FOSTERING Myth #1: I'll have too many cats

Wrong. You're in control. No-one is ever expected to accommodate countless cats! Most fosterers have between 1 and 3 cats in their homes at any time. You tell us how many cats you can care for and we will always respect that.

FOSTERING Myth #2: I won't get a break or be able to go on holiday

Wrong. You don't have to foster continuously. You can have breaks and take holidays whenever you like. All we ask is you give us some notice so we can make alternative arrangements.

FOSTERING Myth #3: It costs too much

Wrong. You won't be out of pocket by a penny: all food, litter and equipment are provided for you. Vets fees are handled and paid for by the Branch (including travel costs) and if you don't have transport we'll arrange and pay for this – we cover all costs.

FOSTERING Myth #4: I can't foster because I already have a pet

This doesn't often cause a problem. The foster cat(s) need to be kept separate from your own animals, in a self contained area, as during their stay with you they are unable to go outdoors. Typically this is a spare room where you can set up a bed, litter tray and a water and feeding area.

FOSTERING Myth #5: I won't be able to cope

Whilst we can't categorically state that this is wrong, we can tell you that you won't be going it alone. Our Welfare Officer will help you to set up for fostering and our volunteers are always on hand for help and advice. You will always be supported, especially during the first few weeks. And if you try it and decide it's not for you, that's fine too. We will never put pressure on you to take on anything you can't manage.

FOSTERING Myth #6: I have no experience

All anyone really needs to become a fosterer is a safe home, some patience, a love of cats and time to care for them. We'll never just appear on your doorstep, and we always talk to our fosterers first before placing a cat with them. Although you may grow fond of your foster cat, you will be pleased that he/she will be going to a good home which has been visited by someone from the Branch.

Interested? If you would like to know more about fostering for the Wolverhampton branch, or if we've convinced you to give it a try, and you live in a WV postcode, please call us on 01902 651173 or click hereto send us an email.

if you live in another area, your local branch will be delighted to hear from you. Please visit the main Cats Protection website at www.cats.org.uk/find-us to find your nearest branch.